Chelsea were ruthless in their pursuit of climbing up to second in the Premier League as the Blues put five goals past Stoke City.

At the interval, the mood around Stamford Bridge was infectious as the points were seemingly in the bag and the Blues nearly paid the price for switching off as Charlie Adam released Sadio Berahino for a one-on-one but Thibaut Courtois was alert to the danger and made a vital stop to preserve his clean-sheet.

Their team were already 3-0 down and pre-match fears that Mark Hughes had already effectively written off this game in favour of playing on New Year's Day against Newcastle United felt utterly vindicated. "For a first experience in the league, to win the title is not easy, so I have to thank the club for giving me this opportunity". I'm very pleased with the performance of all my players and to finish with another clean sheet.

"To be able to do this at your first chance is great".

"And for next year, we are still in four competitions".

It'd be hard for Conte not to be encouraged after he left Eden Hazard, Cesc Fabregas, Tiemoue Bakayoko, and Andreas Christensen out of his lineup and still clobbered a Premier League opponent.

Thibaut Courtois will likely start between the sticks, with Antonio Rudiger making way for Andreas Christensen to come in and join Gary Cahill and Cesar Azpilicueta in defence.

The win was then put beyond any doubt when Pedro collected Willian's lay off from about 20-yards before firing across goal in similar fashion to his goal against Stoke earlier in the season.

Conte got goals from Davide Zappacosta and Antonio Rudiger to go with markers from Willian, Pedro, and Danny Drinkwater.

"And about [Charly] Musonda and Luiz, I think they are improving a lot and I think their recovery is very close". I have had conversations with the club and they know my opinion. "In February we restart the Champions League against Barcelona".

COMMENTS

Recent Posts

HQ Trivia is Officially Making Its Way to AndroidDec 31, 2017
Usually, the pool for cash prizes vary but this week the app raised the minimum prize amount from $1,000 to $2,000. The game is HQ Trivia, and the reason its so popular might have a lot to do with the prizes it gives.

At least 2 killed in Long Beach workplace shootingDec 30, 2017
While they have found multiple casualties, the police said that they longer considered it to be an active shooting scene. The shooter is no longer a threat, but it was not clear whether he or she was dead or in custody, police said.

Gunman Kills 9 in Attack on Egypt ChurchDec 30, 2017
A Muslim mob stabs 27-year old Coptic Christian Fam Khalaf to death in the southern City of Minya over a personal feud. One attacker carrying explosives was reportedly shot and killed by security forces and another was arrested.

Former football ace George Weah is new president of LiberiaDec 29, 2017
Former global footballer George Weah and Vice-President Joseph Boakai joined voters in casting their ballots in Liberia yesterday. On Tuesday polling stations displayed voter lists as a mark of transparency for the run-off.

Wine about it: Disaster date ends with $1.5 mn in art ruinedDec 29, 2017
Matters are said to have 'devolved' after Layman refused to leave, with the woman instead hiding inside the attorney's home. Later, when he tried calling a second Uber, she cursed at him and did the damage to the artwork, KHOU reported .

Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots surpass $300 millionDec 29, 2017
The odds of picking the correct numbers on five white balls and one yellow ball in the Mega Millions game are one in 259 million. It could be an unforgettable New Year for Michigan Lottery players with large Mega Millions and Powerball jackpots up for grabs.